In which phase of the product life cycle is a new product first distributed for sale?

The introduction stage is characterized by the launch of a new product into the market. This is the phase where the product is first made available for purchase, and it often entails heavy marketing efforts to promote awareness and attract early adopters. During this phase, companies typically focus on building a market presence and educating potential customers about the benefits and features of the product.

In this stage, sales are usually low as the product is just entering the marketplace, and it is common for businesses to incur significant expenses due to marketing and distribution efforts. Establishing the product and gaining initial customer acceptance are primary objectives during this phase, setting the groundwork for potential growth in subsequent stages.

Understanding this context highlights why the introduction stage is the correct choice, as it is uniquely defined by the product being newly introduced and immediately available for consumer purchase.